Bring It With A Beach Day – With 130 miles of soft, sandy shoreline, Jersey is THE place for funnin’ and sunnin’. Pop open a beach chair or spread out a blanket in your own personal patch of paradise from Sandy Hook alllllllllllllllllllll the way down to Cape May Point or anywhere in between. Care to pair toes-in-the-sand relaxation with boardwalk excitement? Head to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City or Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Still not shore which destination to choose? We have tips to find your perfect beach or boardwalk. Or explore all of your oceanfront options.
Get An Adrenaline Rush – Home to the world’s tallest and North America’s fastest rollercoaster, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is Jersey’s reigning amusement park – buckle up for its must-dos! For milder thrills, families can visit Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, Diggerland USA in West Berlin or Land of Make Believe in Hope. Rainy day? No problem! Hop aboard the rides at these indoor amusement parks: Nickelodeon Universe (inside American Dream) in Rutherford, iPlay America in Freehold and The Funplex locations in East Hanover and Mount Laurel.
Take To The Lake – The Atlantic Ocean isn’t the only game in town. Year after year, water sports enthusiasts return to Lake Hopatcong for big thrills. Cruise to Lakeview Marina for water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, tube surfing and even more aquatic adventures. Dive into more details about this inviting body of water here.
Pick A Park – There’s a reason “a walk in the park” means that something’s easy and breezy. But our parks offer up far more than just walks. You can go hiking, biking, birding, picnicking and so much more. Through April 8, 2025, you can also take part in the Jersey State Parks Passport – collecting points by visiting participating parks to rack up some serious swag. Or check out our complete list of national and state parks, forests, and natural and recreational areas. Our green spaces make other states green with envy!
Make A Splash – Whether situated on an oceanfront boardwalk, high up in the mountains or on a refreshing lake, our outdoor water parks are the places to chase refreshing summertime chills and thrills. Dreary weather in the forecast for your day trip? You can still slip and slide at our many indoor water parks!
Appreciate Alfresco Art – Masterpieces loom large under blue summer skies at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. Stroll through this 42-acre outdoor sculpture park, museum and arboretum at your leisure as you ogle almost 300 works by acclaimed artists, including Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro, Beverly Pepper, Kiki Smith and George Segal.
Go Fish (or Board a Boat) – Recreational anglers can reel in the fun on or along streams, rivers, lakes, bays or deep in the ocean. Find the charter or fishing hole of your dreams here. Or skip the hooks and lines and simply enjoy Jersey’s waterways aboard a kayak, canoe, sailboat, luxury liner or other vessel – your options are almost as infinite as the horizon!
Dine Outside – However you choose to spend your day in Jersey, you can cap it off over a delicious dinner with spectacular views. Think: seafood on a waterfront patio, small plates on an urban rooftop or farm-to-table fare in a garden. Bring your appetite and find your eatery in our Outdoor Dining Guide.
Raise A Glass – If your dream summer day includes leisurely sipping the nectars of the Garden State, you’re in luck. Jersey boasts over 178 wineries, breweries, distilleries nestled into every corner of the state. Through November 7, 2024, you can even earn some swag as you sip the best beers around by following the Jersey Brews Trail.
Be Awed By Architecture – Stroll the streets of Cape May to take in the vibrant hues of its famed Victorian structures (affectionately known as Painted Ladies). Or visit the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville for a one-of-a-kind immersion in Hindu architecture and culture.
Fair warning: You might have so much fun during your day trip that you’ll want to spend the night –find perfect places to stay here. Also be sure to download a free travel guide and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the know on all things Jersey, all year round.
